What are the causes and effects of a horse having contracted hooves?
A. Contracted hooves are often caused by improper trimming and shoeing. Environmental conditions can also play a part. If the frog is not in direct contact with the ground, the heels of the hoof do not hold correct position. The hoof then fails to properly expand and contract with weight-bearing. Contracted hooves often go hand-in-hand with underslung heels, resulting in a reduced length of weight-bearing wall. The heels pinch inwards and prevent proper hoof mechanism.
